Department of Commerce: Bloghttps://www.commerce.gov/feeds/blog/category/847
The most recent 20 items in this list.enWhite House Hosts Roundtable on Leveraging Data as a Strategic Assethttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/white-house-hosts-roundtable-leveraging-data-strategic-asset
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/kdkblogpic.jpg?itok=74i5JTP_" width="200" height="200" alt="Karen Dunn Kelly addresses the President’s Management Agenda at recent meeting of the President’s Management Council." title="Karen Dunn Kelly addresses the President’s Management Agenda at recent meeting of the President’s Management Council." /></span>
<p>Today, I attended an expert roundtable on <a href="https://www.performance.gov/CAP/CAP_goal_2.html" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline"><em>Leveraging Data as a Strategic Asset</em></a>, co-hosted by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the <a href="http://opendataenterprise.org/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Center for Open Data Enterprise</a>. Leveraging Data as a Strategic Asset is a new and exciting Cross-Agency Priority Goal of the <a href="https://www.performance.gov/pma/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">President’s Management Agenda</a> (PMA), and I am thrilled to co-lead this effort with my colleagues, Pradeep Belur, Chief of Staff at the Small Business Administration, Suzette Kent, Federal Chief Information Officer, Nancy Potok, Chief Statistician of the U.S., and Jack Wilmer, Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity and IT Modernization, Office of Science and Technology Policy. Together, we will lead the charge on the Administration’s goal of delivering a comprehensive, forward-looking Federal Data Strategy to foster economic growth and innovation, make government more effective, and improve transparency and oversight.</p>
<p>Counting, measuring, and producing data is one of the oldest and most essential functions of the Federal government. Starting with the Constitutional requirement to count our nation’s people, the government has been called on to provide information on business, agriculture, trade, government spending, and so on. At the Department of Commerce alone, we collect more than 20 terabytes of data a day.</p>
<p>There is no question that this data is valuable. Businesses that rely on government data generate close to $400 billion in revenue, while delivering products and services that affect the decisions of countless other entities across the globe. Additionally, government data can touch people’s lives in a very palpable way, such as the communications platform on NOAA’s satellites, which relays distress signals to guide land and sea rescues. </p>
<p>But more can be done to further the use of data in the private sector and in government. To maximize the utility of the data we produce, we have to get the data out and, sometimes, bring the data together. We need to keep asking whether we are collecting the right information in the right way from the right sources. And we must always uphold our legal and ethical obligations to protect the data we collect and manage as well as ensure confidentiality. This will require a coordinated effort to study what works and what does not.</p>
<p>Today’s roundtable was a first step in doing just that, bringing together a wide array of professionals with expertise on how to best use Federal data to deliver government services and grow the economy. Participants included executives from industry, officials from Federal and local agencies, non-profit thought-leaders, and academic researchers from across the country. We discussed successes and challenges that are common across government, affecting a wide range of programs and policies. We will use the lessons learned to help us develop specific principles, practices, and actions for the Federal Data Strategy. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for a report on the takeaways of today’s roundtable.</p>
Wed, 23 May 2018 14:14:59 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/white-house-hosts-roundtable-leveraging-data-strategic-assetWorkforce Development to be Showcased at the 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/workforce-development-be-showcased-2018-selectusa-investment-summit
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/susa8238-2712.jpg?itok=IxmpnCXL" width="200" height="200" alt="Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta Addresses the 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit." title="Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta Addresses the 2017 SelectUSA Investment Summit." /></span>
<p><em>Blog post by Steven Meyers, Director of Outreach and Communications, <a href="https://www.selectusa.gov/welcome">SelectUSA</a></em></p>
<p>The U.S. economy is the best shape since the turn of the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Unemployment has reached a rare low of 3.9 percent, wages are rising, and the international consensus is that the U.S. market is one of reliability and confidence. Indeed, there has never been a better time to invest in the United States and its workers.</p>
<p>And yet, millions of American workers are at risk of being left behind in the global 21<sup>st</sup> century economy. Adapting and flourishing in the new economy will require innovative approaches to job training, education, and economic development.</p>
<p>Workforce development is not only a necessity. It also falls at the intersection of multiple government focuses, from collaborating with countries like Switzerland—where apprenticeships are well-established and common—to programs designed to reduce recidivism, such as the Department of Justice’s UNICOR program. Using an all-encompassing strategy, the Trump Administration is focused on creating good-paying jobs for millions of Americans.</p>
<p>This is why President Trump <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/3245/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">issued an executive order</a> calling for a multi-department effort to expand apprenticeships in the United States. Specifically, the order created the Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion, a Department of Labor-led body of industry leaders and government officials. On May 10, 2018, the Task Force <a href="https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/docs/task-force-apprenticeship-expansion-report.pdf" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">presented its findings</a> to the President, recommending an increase in “work-and-learn models,” reforms to the funding process, an awareness campaign, and an expansion of apprenticeships in new industries.</p>
<p>Next month, workforce development will be a central focus of the <a href="http://www.selectusasummit.us/?utm_source=website&amp;utm_campaign=2018summit&amp;utm_medium=usg" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit</a>, the top foreign direct investment event in the United States. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta will lead a panel on the subject with an emphasis on utilizing America’s most valuable economic resource: one of the most skilled and educated workforces in the world.</p>
<p>The Investment Summit joins U.S. economic developers and service providers with international business investors who are ready to establish or expand operations in the United States. Join <a href="https://www.selectusa.gov/welcome" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">SelectUSA</a>, June 20-22, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in the Washington, D.C. metro area. This summer, we invite you to invest, grow, and succeed in the United States.</p>
Wed, 23 May 2018 10:21:45 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/workforce-development-be-showcased-2018-selectusa-investment-summitSpotlight on Commerce: Jennifer Rimbach, Business Development Specialist, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-jennifer-rimbach-business-development-specialist-minority
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/rimbach.jpg?itok=9cM_aAfw" width="200" height="200" alt="Jennifer Rimbach, Business Development Specialist, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)" title="Jennifer Rimbach, Business Development Specialist, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)" /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Jennifer Rimbach, Business Development Specialist, <a href="https://www.mbda.gov/">Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)</a></em></p>
<p>I’ve never been a fan of labels. Perhaps that’s why it wasn’t until I visited my mother’s home country of South Korea as an adult after college that I started to feel incredibly connected to Korean language, food and people. Growing up in Maryland and North Carolina, I was exposed to a smattering of diverse neighbors and classmates, and I had the privilege of not having to think much about my own racial and ethnic identity. In fact, in many ways I feel blessed to have had a happy childhood of blissful ignorance.</p>
<p>This Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, I’m so proud to be a part of a community that has deeply rooted family values, ancestral respect and a love of the land. I’m eternally grateful for a community that shares in large part many of my experiences, while having their unique flare. Serving as a Business Development Specialist at the Commerce Department's Minority Business Development Agency has really allowed me to be part of a mission larger than myself. I am part of the access to capital team and feel fortunate to work every day with diverse entrepreneurs, many of whom are committed to making a difference in their communities through job creation, training opportunities and nonprofit involvement. Along with the technical assistance aspect of my role, my job provides with the opportunity to work on data analytics and public policy, allowing my reach to have a multiplier effect. </p>
<p>In addition, my career has provided me the opportunity to work in international development and has allowed me to travel and experience myriad diverse cultures and geographies. Traveling abroad forced me to confront my own mixed heritage. It gave me an opportunity to examine the impact that being born into a multicultural family had on my identity. Through history, immigration, and politics, I’m only now beginning to scratch the surface of understanding how Korean and Japanese traditions and cultures have influenced me. I’ve since come to realize that it’s impossible for me to separate the various elements that make me, who I am. I am Korean. I am Japanese. I am German. I am American. And I am all of these things at once.</p>
<p>This February, I had the opportunity to attend the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang with a Filipino American friend. It was such a pivotal, heart touching experience for me to share all things Korean with him and soak in the beauty that is the Korean peninsula. I am so thankful to have this type of connection with more than one culture, because in a way, it has allowed me to recognize and appreciate the many histories and experiences that others around me carry within themselves as well. </p>
<p>For Asian Pacific American youth, I encourage you to explore careers where you can marry your passion with a social mission. I suggest you try on a career in public service because our community needs greater representation in government and politics, especially from the next generation of youth. And, as you continue to build your professional and personal networks, I recommend reaching across differences and expanding your networks to include people from all backgrounds and walks of life. I believe that the true work that we as Americans have left to do is to embrace the differences for which this country has fought hard to provide space.</p>
Tue, 22 May 2018 15:05:18 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-jennifer-rimbach-business-development-specialist-minorityPresident’s “E” Awards Celebrate U.S. Companies’ Export Achievementshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/presidents-e-awards-celebrate-us-companies-export-achievements
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/eaward2.jpeg?itok=MvA8pUQ7" width="200" height="200" alt="U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Presents Presidential &quot;E&quot; Award to Mercury Medical of Clearwater, FL on May 21, 2018. " title="U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross Presents Presidential &quot;E&quot; Award to Mercury Medical of Clearwater, FL on May 21, 2018. " /></span>
<p> On Monday, May 21, <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2018/05/remarks-secretary-wilbur-l-ross-presidents-e-awards-ceremony">U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross honored</a> 43 American companies, representing 18 U.S. states and Guam, with the 2018 <a href="https://2016.export.gov/exportawards/">President’s “E” Award</a> to kick off <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-may-20-may-26-2018-world-trade-week/">World Trade Week</a>. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any person, firm, and organization can receive for making a significant contribution to increasing U.S. exports.</p>
<p>This year, 25 companies and organizations were honored with the “E” Award for Exports for demonstrating a sustained increase in export sales over a four-year period. There were nine companies and organizations that assisted and facilitated export activities who received the “E” Award for Export Service. The “E” Star Award for Exports, which recognizes previous “E” Awardees who have reported four years of additional export growth, was awarded to eight firms. One company was awarded the “E” Star Award for Export Service, which recognizes previous “E” Awardees that have shown four years of continued support of exporters since first winning the “E” Award.</p>
<p>This year’s recipients included <a href="http://www.hydro-thermal.com/" style="color:#1c80c5; text-decoration:none">Hydro-Thermal Corporation</a> of Waukesha, Wisc. Tracing its roots back to 1927, when inventors John White and Roy Miller patented their steam powered heating equipment, Hydro-Thermal Corporation is now the global leader in the development and manufacturing of Hydroheaters. Hydro-Thermal is represented in six continents and its technology is used in facilities in more than 85 countries around the world.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ftccc.net/" style="color:#1c80c5; text-decoration:none">FTC Commercial Corporation (FTC)</a> of Los Angeles, specializes in financing start-up businesses, public entities, and global businesses. FTC partners with the International Trade Administration and U.S. Department of Commerce to promote export trade and strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies in the international market. Since its founding 10 years ago, FTC has funded startups that have grown to more than $30 million in sales.</p>
<p><a href="https://unitedfranchisegroup.com/" style="color:#1c80c5; text-decoration:none">United Franchise Group</a> began as a small franchising conglomerate in 1987, and has grown to more than 1,400 franchisees throughout the world. Today, United Franchise Group has more than 200 employees in the United States and abroad, and has established master licenses or its brands in more than 80 countries.</p>
<p>This year marks the 56<sup>th</sup> annual “E” Awards presentation. In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and recognize America’s exporters. The “E” Award ceremony is one of the highlights of <a href="http://trade.gov/worldtrademonth/" style="color:#1c80c5; text-decoration:none">World Trade Month</a>, a month-long celebration of the benefits that U.S. exports bring to national, state, and local economies through job creation and growth.</p>
<p>American companies are nominated for “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network, located within the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Record years of successive export growth and an applicant’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to the increase in exports is a significant factor in selecting winners.</p>
<p>For the full list of 2018 “E” Awardees, <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2018/05/us-secretary-commerce-kicks-world-trade-week-honoring-us-firms" style="color:#1c80c5; text-decoration:none">click here</a>.</p>
<p>Don’t forget to follow <a class="mention" href="https://tradegov.wordpress.com/mentions/tradegov/" style="color:#1c80c5; text-decoration:none">@Tradegov</a> on Twitter for coverage of more events throughout World Trade Month.</p>
<p> </p>
Mon, 21 May 2018 12:39:50 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/presidents-e-awards-celebrate-us-companies-export-achievementsSpotlight on Commerce: Laura Shin, Deputy Chief, Federal Assistance Law Division, Office of General Counselhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-laura-shin-deputy-chief-federal-assistance-law-division-office
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/laurashin.png?itok=oXKCANEX" width="200" height="200" alt="Laura Shin, Deputy Chief, Federal Assistance Law Division, Office of General Counsel" title="Laura Shin, Deputy Chief, Federal Assistance Law Division, Office of General Counsel" /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of Department of Commerce employees in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Laura Shin, Deputy Chief, Federal Assistance Law Division, Office of General Counsel</em></p>
<p>During this Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we recognize the cultures and contributions of the approximately 16.6 million AAPIs that reside in the United States. AAPIs represent over 30 countries and ethnic groups and speak over 100 different languages. The AAPI community is definitely rich in diversity.</p>
<p>My story in the United States began when my parents came to America in the 1970s and, like so many immigrants, hoped for a better life for their children. After saving enough money to invest in a business, they started a trophy and awards store in Los Angeles. I saw first-hand the struggles, late hours and stresses of being a small business owner. Operating a business while learning a new language was difficult, but their resilience and tenacity as immigrants allowed them to create a new path, invest in a new opportunity and provide a decent life for my family.</p>
<p>Because of my parents, I was able to go to college and then law school and eventually become a public servant as an attorney for the federal government. I started my legal career at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a grants attorney and then moved to the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). Currently, I am the Deputy Chief of the Federal Assistance Law Division in the Office of General Counsel's Office of Administration and Transactions. In my present role, I provide legal advice on the approximately $1 billion in grants that the Department of Commerce awards to state and local governments, universities, non-profits, and other entities on an annual basis. While at the Office of General Counsel, I had the opportunity to participate in and graduate from the Department of Commerce's Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program, which allowed me to increase my leadership and management skills and also work with the Minority Business Development Agency, the Deputy Secretary's office, and the Office of Human Resources and Management (OHRM).</p>
<p>During my time at Commerce, I also have been part of establishing a new AAPI employee resource group at the Commerce Department headquarters. In January 2017, I worked with other employees and the Diversity and Inclusion Director in OHRM to launch an AAPI employee resource group that supports the Department in addressing issues of interest to the Commerce Department AAPI community and to foster professional development and networking among its members. This group will serve as a resource to the Department and other interested individuals or groups and help support the Department's overall goals and mission. This group, like other employee resource groups, provides resources to its members and ultimately works to support employee engagement, recruitment and retention.</p>
<p>For those that are interested in public service, I would encourage you to get involved in the many opportunities to grow and learn as a leader in the federal government and to give back through different avenues. For me, my passion lies in helping facilitate federal funding for the public to help grow the economy, in enhancing my leadership skills to meet the agency mission, and in strengthening employee engagement within the agency. Get involved and be passionate about the opportunities around you to give back to our country.</p>
Mon, 21 May 2018 11:46:15 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-laura-shin-deputy-chief-federal-assistance-law-division-officeSpotlight on Commerce: Dawn Bailey and Christine Schaefer, Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-dawn-bailey-and-christine-schaefer-baldrige-performance
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/christine_schaefer_dawn_bailey.jpg?itok=VemvlJ8d" width="200" height="200" alt="Chris Schaefer and Dawn Baily, Baldrige Performance Excellent Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)" title="Chris Schaefer and Dawn Baily, Baldrige Performance Excellent Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)" /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of a series for Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) May 6-12, showcasing the vast and diverse work of Commerce employees collectively working together to deliver important services that are helping the American economy grow.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Dawn Bailey and Christine Schaefer, <a href="https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/how-baldrige-works/about-baldrige" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)</a></em></p>
<p>For more than a decade, we each have worked for a small federal program (of fewer than 20 staff members today) with a big mission: “to improve<strong> </strong>the competitiveness and performance of U.S. organizations<strong> </strong>for the benefit of all U.S. residents.”</p>
<p>Contributing to this work is exciting, especially in our customer-facing roles as communicators. We both are energized by the ideas we learn about (and write about) from our interactions with people from many sectors and states. They include thousands of volunteers who have advanced our mission as part of the public-private partnership of the <a href="https://w3auth.nist.gov/baldrige/how-baldrige-works/about-baldrige" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Baldrige Performance Excellence Program</a> at Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology.</p>
<p>The Baldrige Program helps U.S. organizations of any size, sector, and in any situation improve performance to achieve long-term success. This is accomplished in part by overseeing the annual process for the Baldrige Award—the nation’s highest and only Presidential honor for organizational excellence and innovation.</p>
<p>The stories that these national role-model organizations have shared about how they have improved and excelled to benefit their customers (as businesses, nonprofits, or health care or education organizations) are inspiring.</p>
<p>Consider, for example, two 2017 Baldrige Award winners, the City of Fort Collins in Colorado and Southcentral Foundation in Alaska. Like all Baldrige award recipients, these organizations have systematically improved how they manage their work to achieve greatness.</p>
<p><strong>Great Government</strong></p>
<p>”The <a href="https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/publications/baldrige-excellence-framework" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Baldrige framework</a> is ideally suited to help local government [succeed],” said Darin Atteberry, City Manager of Fort Collins. Atteberry and the Ft. Collins leadership team used the framework to deliver not just good but <em>great</em> government service to their residents and business customers.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>High Citizen Ratings on Quality-of-Life Measures:</strong> Gallup survey results have found Fort Collins citizens to be among the most satisfied in the country. Fort Collins ranks among the top 10 percent of U.S. cities for “best place to live” and “best place to work” measures, as well as for the quality of culture and recreation, availability of job opportunities, air quality, and attractiveness.</li>
<li><strong>An Open, Customer-Focused Government: </strong>For example, the “Access Fort Collins” website has won a national award for its exceptional service features and enabling the government to be transparent in making financial and other information highly accessible to the public.</li>
<li><strong>Strong Finances and Services:</strong> Fort Collins has maintained a “triple A” credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service, which only 4% of governments have achieved. And with the public trust it has earned, Fort Collins was able to increase sales-and-use tax income by nearly 20% over four years—while maintaining a tax rate among the lowest in its region of Colorado<strong>.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Excellent Health Care</strong></p>
<p>Southcentral Foundation is an Alaskan health system that covers a geographical area of 126,000 square miles, with many villages served reached only by plane or boat and with people from very different backgrounds and cultures. It was established following passage of a 1975 law that for the first time allowed Alaska Native and American Indians the chance to take charge of the programs that directly affected them, including health care.</p>
<p>According to SCF President and CEO Katherine Gottlieb, success in the system came quickly, with the number of people needing care quadrupling overnight. To cope with the expansion, Gottlieb and her staff used the Baldrige framework to transform SCF, creating a relationship-based, customer-owned approach to health care.</p>
<p>In 2012, <em>The New York Times</em> visited SCF and wrote in an editorial, “Innovative solutions are emerging in unexpected places. A health care system owned and managed by Alaska’s native people has achieved astonishing results in improving the health of its enrollees while cutting the costs of treating them.” (“A Formula for Cutting Health Costs,”<em> </em>July 21, 2012).</p>
<p>Today, the 1,500-employee health system with a $210 million operating budget measures its progress through data collection efforts; benchmarking with other high-performing U.S. health care organizations; and tracking health disparity data at the local, state, and national levels. Last year, SCF became the first two-time Baldrige Award winner in the health care sector.</p>
<p><strong>How Can We Help You?</strong></p>
<p>Such organizations’ improvements (and even transformations) for the benefit of people in all kinds of U.S. communities make us feel good about the work we do.</p>
<p>We know it is a privilege to support their quests for excellence and innovation—and efforts to address ever-new challenges—through our program’s publication of tools such as the <a href="https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/publications/baldrige-excellence-framework" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Baldrige Excellence Framework</a><em> </em>and <a href="https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/products-services/baldrige-cybersecurity-initiative" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Baldrige Cybersecurity Excellence Builder</a>. Reflecting on what our stakeholders have accomplished and how we can continue to improve our service to them is what Public Service Week means to us in the Baldrige Program.</p>
<p>If you want to learn more about how you can use Baldrige resources to support your organization’s performance, take one of these actions today:</p>
<p>1. Visit the Baldrige Program’s website (<a href="http://www.nist.gov/baldrige" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">www.nist.gov/baldrige</a>) to check out the Baldrige framework (and download a free copy of the abbreviated version called the <a href="https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/products-services/baldrige-excellence-builder" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Baldrige Excellence Builder</a>).</p>
<p>(2) Sign up for a Baldrige training offering, including <a href="https://www.nist.gov/baldrige/products-services/baldrige-examiner-training-experience" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Baldrige examiner training</a> and the <a href="http://www.nist.gov/baldrige/fellows" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Baldrige Executive Fellows</a> leadership development program.</p>
<p>(3) Register for a Baldrige best-practice-sharing conference such as the <a href="http://www.nist.gov/baldrige/qe" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Quest for Excellence® conference</a> next April.</p>
<p> </p>
Fri, 11 May 2018 13:20:56 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-dawn-bailey-and-christine-schaefer-baldrige-performanceSpotlight on Commerce: Van Gilbert, U.S. Patent and Trademark Officehttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-van-gilbert-us-patent-and-trademark-office
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/vangilbert.jpg?itok=0ObktfTP" width="200" height="200" alt="Van Gilbert, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office" title="Van Gilbert, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office" /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of a series for Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) May 6-12, showcasing the vast and diverse work of Commerce employees collectively working together to deliver important services that are helping the American economy grow.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Van Gilbert, <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a></em></p>
<p>As a patent examiner in the <em>Pro Se </em>Assistance Pilot Program at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), I focus on assisting persons who are filing patent applications for the first time and on their own (i.e., without representation of a patent practitioner licensed to practice before the USPTO). My job centers on providing publicly available resources and education on the patent examination process to potential and current filers as well as determining patentability of an applicant’s invention, granting patents when warranted.</p>
<p>I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and reared in the Memphis suburb of Olive Branch, Mississippi, where I currently telework full time for the USPTO. I received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Mississippi in 2001, a Master in Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2002 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi in 2005. I practiced law briefly on the Mississippi Gulf coast until Hurricane Katrina destroyed the firm in August 2005. From there I moved to Alexandria, Virginia and joined the USPTO in 2006. In 2017, I came full circle and moved back to Olive Branch, Mississippi with my wife, and we now have three wonderful children.</p>
<p>While living in Northern Virginia, my wife and I were members of Alexandria Presbyterian Church, and we look to join Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis at the next available opportunity. I am very active with the Freemasons, having been a member since 2011 and serving as the Worshipful Master of Henry Knox Field Lodge, 349 of Alexandria in 2016. I also volunteered at Marshall Elementary school, where I led a robotics club of fourth and fifth graders through the First LEGO League program. </p>
<p>The greatest influence in my life remains my father. He always encourages me and provides me with more wisdom than any formal education. One of my fondest memories is when we were fishing, and he was providing me his blessing and support as I was finalizing my formal education and entering the workforce. He told me, “Be a success. Be the best you can be. Be the best there is. However, never forget, my son, at the end of the day you are only worth what time cannot take away and money cannot buy.” I try to always apply that in everything I do. It helps me enjoy my job as part of a team providing customer service to a community most in need of additional assistance from the government.</p>
<p>The patent examination process is a complex one that can be frustrating for many applicants. My Southern hospitality helps keep me smiling while interacting with a diverse and passionate community of inventors. The Pro Se Assistance Pilot Program allows me to more directly help those I serve and feel the immediate rewards of my service, whether it be by knowing I helped a small business commercialize a product to better people’s lives or by receiving a simple “thank you for your help” from an applicant. I am blessed to have found a career in public service that so seamlessly incorporates my education and core personal values.</p>
Fri, 11 May 2018 11:01:19 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-van-gilbert-us-patent-and-trademark-officeSpotlight on Commerce: Dr. Joanna Chan, Data Scientist, National Technical Information Service (NTIS)https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-dr-joanna-chan-data-scientist-national-technical-information
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/joannachan.jpg?itok=ZUNIYphC" width="200" height="200" alt="Joanna Chan, Data Scientist, National Technical and Information Service (NTIS)." title="Joanna Chan, Data Scientist, National Technical and Information Service (NTIS)." /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of a series for Public Service Recognition Week (PSRW) May 6-12, showcasing the vast and diverse work of Commerce employees collectively working together to deliver important services that are helping the American economy grow.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Dr. Joanna Chan, Data Scientist, <a href="https://www.ntis.gov/">National Technical Information Service (NTIS)</a></em></p>
<p>I am a data scientist with Commerce’s National Technical Information Service (NTIS) which delivers innovative, data science services and technologies to the federal government through partnerships with industry, universities and non-profits. I find it fascinating to explore data, gain new insights, and collaborate with our talented and dedicated federal colleagues (for whom I’m pleased to recognize during Public Service Recognition Week). A lot of synergy is created by forming partnerships between the public and private sectors, and I see a lot of transformative possibilities across the government landscape. I feel it is very rewarding to help others consider how emerging data science capabilities can benefit mission outcomes, taxpayers’ investments, and ultimately, the American public.</p>
<p>But stepping back, though, I would like to share some of my background. I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and I came to the United States one year after the Tiananmen Square incident. I studied business and computer science as an undergraduate since those subjects offered some great career opportunities. I also hoped that my academic efforts would support my dream of becoming a U.S. citizen. Gratefully, I received my citizenship while working as an IT professional, and over the course of 14 years, I enjoyed working for both entrepreneurial start-ups and Fortune 100 companies, primarily developing cutting-edge software applications. Then I started down a new path after I discovered one of my passions – birdwatching.</p>
<p>As my husband and I began travelling to developing countries, attempting to locate the hard-to-find birds in their natural habitat, I witnessed the painful reality of habitat destruction, poverty, and income inequality. The concept of sustainable development interested me, and I took (what felt like a risky, but bold step) of returning to grad school, attempting to bridge my interest in both business and the environment.</p>
<p>Eventually, I began working on several projects in Central America that examined social entrepreneurship. During those projects, I recognized a general lack of evidence-based methodologies, as well as weak local participation in the decision-making processes. In retrospect, my hunger for facts… data to answer my own personal questions about international development… led me to pursue my doctoral degree, which involved examining indigenous people and forests in Bolivia. My foundational work helped inform other research, which was presented during a United Nations’ Conference and led to the formal recognition of indigenous people and their contribution to biodiversity.</p>
<p>After graduation, I accepted a fellowship position with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. During this fellowship, I joined the State Department and managed a data analytics project to inform multilateral negotiations at the United Nations. During my second year, I joined the National Science Foundation and helped manage an $11 million program that supported Big Data partnerships.</p>
<p>Coming full-circle to Commerce, I am excited to support NTIS’s mission because I appreciate the collaborative benefits of data science innovation. Given my experiences in both the private and public sectors, I enjoy building bridges and partnerships – between people, programs, and technology, and I recognize the great opportunity that NTIS provides towards this vision, especially as more federal programs leverage our Joint Venture Partnership authority.</p>
<p>I have always enjoyed tackling complex challenges, but perhaps that is because of the answers we find through data science methodologies. Whether it involves government innovation or environmental studies, I know that data science is frequently a key ingredient for finding the best solutions. I encourage others to consider the value of public service; to find a mission which speaks to their passions; and to help address challenges affecting people across the nation or even in our local communities.</p>
Thu, 10 May 2018 09:35:15 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-dr-joanna-chan-data-scientist-national-technical-informationSpotlight on Commerce: Jane Callen, Senior Editor, U.S. Census Bureauhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-jane-callen-senior-editor-us-census-bureau
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/janecallen.png?itok=OvHc8Rac" width="200" height="200" alt="Jane Callen, Senior Editor, U.S. Census Bureau" title="Jane Callen, Senior Editor, U.S. Census Bureau" /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of a series for </strong><a href="https://www.opm.gov/about-us/our-mission-role-history/public-service-recognition-week/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank"><strong>Public Service Recognition Week</strong></a><strong> (PSRW) May 6-12, showcasing the vast and diverse work of Commerce employees collectively working together to deliver important services that are helping the American economy grow.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post Jane Callen, Senior Editor, <a href="https://www.census.gov/">U.S. Census Bureau</a></em></p>
<p>Grover Cleveland said the path of public duty is unusually rugged. That can certainly be true! I would add that it is also unusually, deeply satisfying. Perhaps the two are intertwined; the greatest challenges are often the most meaningful, even if there is room to do more, go further, be of greater service. My public service began in 1993 at the U.S. Census Bureau in communications. It is a career that has included conducting the lockup briefings to release the principal economic indicators, managing staff, as well as writing, editing and working on policy issues.</p>
<p>The early ‘90s was a time of profound technological change — the Internet was only a few years old and computers and cell phones were making some of their first appearances in the workplace. The Census Bureau was grappling with implications for the world’s premier statistical agency. We had a sense of the tectonic plates shifting and we were excited to embrace the change and ride the wave of technological advancement. Indeed, Census was one of — if not THE first government agency to have an online presence. For this we received the Vice President’s Hammer Award, one of the highest awards for innovation leading to improved government performance. Standing alongside that amazing group of public servants during the ceremony, I could not have been prouder to be part of a team.</p>
<p>Service in its many incarnations has been a primary and important theme throughout my life. In addition to my public service, I am a first responder, EMS lieutenant, and hospice volunteer, which includes taking our little pup to visit patients at the end of life whose last wish is for a dog visit. Callie is a small Yorkie we found in the middle of the road and she is certified to do this work. Serving in these roles, I am reminded of how fragile and fleeting life is: each day, each encounter, each new project is a gift. That’s why we serve: it reminds us of what really matters and makes us feel great. When we also receive recognition, it is humbling: it was an incredible honor to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award from Montgomery County, MD, at the end of April.</p>
<p>When Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast in 2005, I, like so many others, wanted to help. I remember turning to my Commerce Department colleagues and asking if they could possibly cover for me so that I could volunteer — for three weeks! They did not hesitate, even though it meant adding a considerable burden to their already heavy workloads. They told me that it made them feel as if they too were part of the disaster response — and they were. Whether I was serving as a first responder helping survivors of Katrina, victims of the earthquakes in Nepal, or those impacted by last year’s punishing hurricanes, I knew I was part of a much larger if not always visible team; my volunteer service was enabled by the generosity and hard work of Commerce Department colleagues. That collaboration demonstrates a beautiful nexus of public and volunteer service. Interconnection and support are hallmarks of the federal government “community” and among our greatest strengths.</p>
<p>Last year, after two and a half years of night school, I received a second master’s degree, in social work, hoping to deepen my volunteer skills. Sitting with the dying is a profound privilege and responsibility, and I want to approach it as well as disaster response as skillfully as possible. The truth is, though, that the most important skills are those gleaned from a quarter century in service: to slow down and pay attention, to greet work with curiosity and keen interest — with the openness of a beginner’s mind. To listen to colleagues with curiosity rather than defensiveness or reactivity. To learn the name of the person who removes your trash or checks you out in the lunch line. To remember that the patient in the back of the ambulance or lying amidst the debris from a hurricane or earthquake is no different from you and in a heartbeat, the tables can, and will, turn. To view each moment with wonder and awe because we know how fleeting this life is — the lesson of hospice. To treat our colleagues with kindness and respect, and pour ourselves into our work so that it is the best it can be, because we care. If we embrace these lessons, then we know that we are serving each other. Let our actions and commitment stand as evidence of the monumental value of public service.</p>
<p>I grew up principally in the DC area other than stints abroad — a year in Japan where I attended first grade, and a year-and-a-half in Israel. My sisters and I attended Maryland public schools. I received my undergraduate degree from American University, where my father chaired the physics department, and my master’s in government from Johns Hopkins University. My parents chose to raise a family in the DC area because they felt it was ground zero for service as they defined it — civil and human rights volunteer work as well as public service. In addition to teaching quantum mechanics, my father worked part time as a scientific researcher for the Naval Research Laboratory and also, I learned later, the National Security Agency. I recall riding atop his shoulders as he marched with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King during the March on Washington. I also vividly remember the joyful moment when I told my parents I was going to work for the government, and I keep a framed photo of my father standing beside me, smiling broadly, when I was first sworn in as a Census Bureau employee.</p>
<p>Public service has been an amazing career – the mission and, most of all, the people. The incredibly dedicated career staff at the Commerce Department are bright lights, smart, kind, collaborative, interesting, and interested. They say that one way to know if you’re in a good relationship is to ask if you are your best self with that person. At Census, I am my best self.</p>
Tue, 08 May 2018 11:59:20 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-jane-callen-senior-editor-us-census-bureauSpotlight on Commerce: Laura Spining, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-laura-spining-office-telecommunications-and-information
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/lauraspining.jpg?itok=Kk4lSd3H" width="200" height="200" alt="Laura Spining loves to bike to work every day and is an advocate for those who can to do the same." title="Laura Spining loves to bike to work every day and is an advocate for those who can to do the same." /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of a series for </strong><a href="https://www.opm.gov/about-us/our-mission-role-history/public-service-recognition-week/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank"><strong>Public Service Recognition Week</strong></a><strong> (PSRW) May 6-12, showcasing the vast and diverse work of Commerce employees collectively working together to deliver important services that are helping the American economy grow.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by </em><em>Laura Spining, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications, <a href="https://www.ntia.doc.gov/home">National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) </a></em></p>
<p>I appreciate the opportunity to participate in Public Service Recognition Week. My career in Washington now spans more than two dozen years with service in the private, non-profit, and public sectors. Currently, I serve as a supervisor to a stellar group of civil servants who bring a wealth of experience and expertise from both the private and non-profit sectors. Like me, they are all dedicated to the Department of Commerce’s efforts to expand broadband availability throughout the nation, especially in rural areas. </p>
<p>Born an Army brat on a base in Bavaria, Germany, I consider myself a native Tennessean with deep roots in coal country, Kentucky. While my father was stationed overseas, I spent much of my early childhood with my maternal grandparents, who lived in Boyd County, KY. Boyd County was a vibrant and growing place to live during the early part of the 20<sup>th</sup> Century as the coal and steel industries brought high paying jobs to the area. The population more than quadrupled between 1880 and 1980. Since 1980, it has seen a steady decline in population, in sharp contrast to the bustling and vibrant life in D.C.</p>
<p>As a high school student, I was inspired by my civics teacher, Anne Pierson, and history teacher, Sara Baird, who encouraged me to pursue an undergraduate degree in education and government. Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee, I moved to D.C. with the intention of getting some practical experience in government, and served as an intern on Capitol Hill.</p>
<p>In 2009, I began my tenure with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). I especially love NTIA, one of the smallest agencies of the Department of Commerce, because I work so closely with a top notch team of civil servants dedicated to our mission to "expand broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expand the use of spectrum by all users, and ensure that the Internet remains an engine for continued innovation and economic growth." </p>
<p>And on a personal note, I love getting to work on my bike. In NTIA, we have a tradition participating in a bike challenge each May and October and I encourage all my fellow Commerce employees to join that challenge. Working right in the heart of DC, I love that I can ride my bike to work every day, and am an advocate for those who can to do the same and if not to work then to enjoy the bike trails in the area on the weekends.</p>
<p>The best learning experience of my life was working as a camp counselor in rural Tennessee during my collegiate summer breaks. The camp brought together youth groups from across the U.S. to provide minor home repair services to folks in the struggling rural towns of Tennessee. This experience, along with my early life in Kentucky, keeps me committed to the Department’s mission to promote economic growth and foster innovation in our country’s struggling communities. </p>
<p>
</p>
Tue, 08 May 2018 11:15:58 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-laura-spining-office-telecommunications-and-informationSpotlight on Commerce: Doug Lynott, Director of Economic Development Integration, U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA)https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-doug-lynott-director-economic-development-integration-us
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/douglynott.jpg?itok=rsZDcE1T" width="200" height="200" alt="Doug Lynott, Director of Economic Development Integration, U.S. Economic and Development Administration (EDA)." title="Doug Lynott, Director of Economic Development Integration, U.S. Economic and Development Administration (EDA)." /></span>
<p><strong>Ed. note: This post is part of a series for </strong><a href="https://www.opm.gov/about-us/our-mission-role-history/public-service-recognition-week/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline" target="_blank"><strong>Public Service Recognition Week</strong></a><strong> (PSRW) May 6-12, showcasing the vast and diverse work of Commerce employees collectively working together to deliver important services that are helping the American economy grow.</strong></p>
<p><em>Guest blog post by Doug Lynott, Director of Economic Development Integration, U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).</em></p>
<p>I serve as the first-ever Director of <a href="https://www.eda.gov/edi/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">Economic Development Integration (EDI)</a> at the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). EDA 's mission is to "lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy." The mission of EDI is to support locally-identified priorities for regional economic diversification, growth and prosperity by increasing access to opportunity, facilitating enhanced collaboration, and reducing administrative burdens. Specifically, my job is to lead in the development and implementation of policies and methods that make it easier for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Prospective applicants to successfully identify, apply for and manage multiple federal economic development grants and loans; and</li>
<li>Federal agencies with economic development resources to co-invest these in support of multi-faceted economic development projects to produce higher impact and overall benefit to local and regional economies.</li>
</ul>
<p>As director, I manage two EDI team members here at EDI HQ, where we establish the EDI strategic vision and related policies. These are transformed into tangible outcomes through EDA’s six regionally-based EDI experts who incorporate EDI policies and practices into the project development work of their regional office colleagues.</p>
<p>I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a very beautiful, rural and remote part of the country and is sometimes jokingly referred to as either the 51<sup>st</sup> state, or Canada’s 11<sup>th</sup> province. My hometown is Marquette, which is located on the shores of Lake Superior. Marquette has a long historic role as a port; iron ore mined in the hills west of the city has been transported to Marquette by train for over a hundred years, loaded onto freighters and shipped through the Great Lakes to steel mills in Ohio and Pennsylvania.</p>
<p>My parents were both social workers. My dad provided individual and family counseling, and my mom provided in-patient and out-patient services for people struggling with substance abuse and addiction issues. They both set an important example for me, as well as my sister and brother, about the importance of helping others. My parents never made a lot of money from their jobs, and while there were many times as a kid when I wished we had more, my parents taught me to be grateful for the good things I do have, and to work on behalf of those who have less.</p>
<p>Throughout my teen years, I increasingly saw my hometown as being remote and removed from political decision-making in both the Michigan and Washington, DC. As this perception grew, so did my own determination to spend my life working to make “the system” more responsive to the needs and aspirations of these people and people across our great nation.</p>
<p>After high school, I left Marquette to attend St. Norbert College in Green Bay, WI, where I earned a BA in English. After graduating, I spent two years working as a youth minister and religious education coordinator for a Catholic church in Appleton, WI. This work was rewarding, but I knew that it would not serve as my final career path. I was still looking for an opportunity to make a transformational difference in the lives of people in need of help, to make “the system” more responsive to their voices. So, I decided to pursue a career in public service, and left Wisconsin to earn an MPA at Michigan State University.</p>
<p>I graduated from Michigan State in 1998, and entered federal service through what was then called the Presidential Management Intern Program. I focused my job search on federal departments and agencies whose programs support the upward social and economic mobility of struggling families. My first job was with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where I became an affordable housing specialist with the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Following my time at HUD, I held various federal jobs, the majority of which have pertained to affordable housing and community development.</p>
<p>Of all the different jobs I’ve held, my current position at EDA has had the most potential for transformation and helping people. My job at EDA has allowed me to improve how federal resources are made available, enhancing their overall impact through interagency collaboration and co-investment. EDA is a small agency, both in terms of total personnel and budget resources, but what I like to tell people is that EDA is able to “punch above its weight class” due to the expertise of its staff, the dynamic and flexible nature of its grant programs, and its nationwide network of community-based organizations. I am grateful for the opportunity this job and agency have given me to translate my personal values into positive action.</p>
Mon, 07 May 2018 13:47:26 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/spotlight-commerce-doug-lynott-director-economic-development-integration-usSix Years in a Row: U.S. Seen as the World’s Top Business Destinationhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/six-years-row-us-seen-worlds-top-business-destination
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/unitedstatesglobe.jpg?itok=FB3xJ01J" width="200" height="200" alt="The U.S. is ranked as the world’s top business destination." title="The U.S. is ranked as the world’s top business destination." /></span>
<p><em>The following is a <a href="https://blog.trade.gov/2018/05/07/six-years-in-a-row-u-s-seen-as-the-worlds-top-business-destination/">cross-post from Tradeology</a>, the International Trade Administration blog.</em></p>
<p>The United States has, for an incredible sixth year in a row, topped <a href="http://bit.ly/2w2XLp6" style="color:#1c80c5; text-decoration:none">A.T. Kearney’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index</a>, an annual ranking of CEO and investor confidence in global markets. That unmistakable confidence has spoken again, and the latest report extends the United States’ winning streak into 2018.</p>
<p>It’s easy to see why business investors from around the world select the USA. Whether a company is looking for a skilled and educated workforce, access to fast and efficient supply chains, a business-friendly regulatory system, or all the above, the United States is <em>the</em> best place to start and grow a business.</p>
<p>America’s economic resurgence is in full swing, and the Trump Administration is focused on turning that into a permanent reality. Tax and regulatory reform, combined with pro-growth policies, are leading to record-breaking economic growth. Global executives have noticed and continue to show their confidence with job-creating investment.</p>
<p>The SelectUSA team will be here to help as more businesses look at their U.S. expansion options. Through services like market research, counseling, and assistance in navigating the federal regulatory environment, SelectUSA connects investors with the resources and information they need to succeed.</p>
<p>The 2018 SelectUSA Investment Summit—the top FDI event in the country—will bring U.S. economic developers face to face with investors from every corner of the globe June 20-22 in the Washington, DC area. Senior government officials, CEOs of high-profile companies, and other FDI experts will provide attendees with insight into the latest developments and trends in international investment.</p>
<p>If you are looking to enter or expand into the U.S. market, the Investment Summit is a must-attend event. The latest FDI Confidence Index underscores the fact that the United States is open for business; the Investment Summit will show how <em>your</em> business can take advantage of the opportunities offered in the world’s largest and most attractive market. I hope you’ll join me this summer.</p>
<p><em>For more information about the SelectUSA Investment Summit, please visit </em><a href="http://www.selectusasummit.us/?utm_source=website&amp;utm_campaign=2018summit&amp;utm_medium=usg" style="color:#1c80c5; text-decoration:none"><em>selectusasummit.us</em></a><em>.</em></p>
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Mon, 07 May 2018 12:41:39 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/six-years-row-us-seen-worlds-top-business-destinationNIST Research Improves Firefighter Safetyhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/nist-research-improves-firefighter-safety
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/firefighters_wearing_ppe.600x400.jpg?itok=lzW7lee7" width="200" height="200" alt="Photo of firefighters approaching a fire." title="Photo of firefighters approaching a fire." /></span>
<p>Firefighters rely on self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) to protect them from dangerous heat and toxic smoke. NIST research helped to improve industry standards for SCBA performance, leading to rapid improvements in the safety of the nation’s firefighters.</p>
<p>NIST fire researchers developed a new test method to evaluate the performance of the weakest part of SCBA—the face piece lens. By using realistic conditions, including high temperature and large changes in heat, NIST scientists were able to understand why SCBA lenses were failing to protect firefighters despite adhering to existing industry standards. NIST then helped develop a new test protocol that mimics realistic fire conditions. The test protocol has been incorporated into industry standards that help to ensure SCBA lenses protect the firefighters who depend on them.</p>
<p>NIST researchers tested SCBA thermal performance in the NIST laboratories and fires set in uniformly furnished, vacant townhomes. These experiments showed that certain temperature and heat flow conditions can cause SCBA lenses to bubble, soften and deform, sometimes leading to holes. Based on these results, the NIST team developed new tests and performance criteria that are more representative of the conditions of temperature, heat flux and duration that firefighters experience. </p>
<p>NIST researchers worked with industry groups and public safety stakeholders to incorporate their findings and test methods into SCBA manufacturing standards. The National Fire Protection Association also issued an alert to over 32,000 U.S. fire departments warning of the vulnerability of the current SCBA lenses and recommended upgrading to the revised standard. </p>
Fri, 04 May 2018 12:58:15 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/05/nist-research-improves-firefighter-safetyCommerce Joins SBA in Celebrating America’s 30 Million Small Businesseshttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/commerce-joins-sba-celebrating-americas-30-million-small-businesses
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/nsbw2018.jpg?itok=kcS66BOU" width="200" height="200" alt="Logo for National Small Business Week." title="Logo for National Small Business Week." /></span>
<p>This week is National Small Business Week and the Commerce Department is pleased to join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners across the nation.</p>
<p>Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-april-29-may-5-2018-small-business-week/" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">proclamation</a> announcing Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.</p>
<p>Small businesses contribute so much to our communities and economy. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. </p>
<p>As part of National Small Business Week, SBA takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.</p>
<p>For more information on National Small Business Week and to learn more on how you can participate, please visit <a href="http://www.sba.gov/nsbw" style="color:#0563c1; text-decoration:underline">www.sba.gov/nsbw</a></p>
Mon, 30 Apr 2018 11:40:49 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/commerce-joins-sba-celebrating-americas-30-million-small-businessesUSPTO Celebrates Women Innovators for World IP Dayhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/uspto-celebrates-women-innovators-world-ip-day
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/worldipdaypic2.jpg?itok=dAFkdeRJ" width="200" height="200" alt="National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee, Dr. Frances Ligler (left) discusses innovation with USPTO Director Andrei Iancu (right) during a World IP Day celebration at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia on April 24." title="National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee, Dr. Frances Ligler (left) discusses innovation with USPTO Director Andrei Iancu (right) during a World IP Day celebration at the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia on April 24." /></span>
<p><em>By <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/executive-biographies/andrei-iancu">Andrei Iancu, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office</a></em></p>
<p>Today, April 26, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) celebrates World Intellectual Property (IP) day in Washington, D.C., as well as across the country in <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/uspto-locations/dallas-tx/world-ip-day-houston-0" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Houston</a>, <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/uspto-locations/detroit-mi/powering-change-women-innovation-and-creativity" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Chicago</a> and <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/uspto-locations/silicon-valley-ca/innovation-expo" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Silicon Valley</a>. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) established World IP Day in 1999 to celebrate the important role of intellectual property, and the contributions made by creators and innovators around the globe. The theme of this year’s World IP Day is “Powering Change: Women in Innovation and Creativity.”</p>
<p>Consider, for example, <a href="http://www.invent.org/honor/inductees/inductee-detail/?IID=283" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Mary Dixon Kies</a> the first woman to apply for and receive a U.S. patent in her own name. Her patent, issued May 5, 1809, was for a straw-weaving process that was widely used for over a decade. New England’s hat-making industry adopted her patented process, and First Lady Dolly Madison personally praised her invention and recognized the prosperity it helped bring to the region.</p>
<p>This afternoon we are holding a <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/world-ip-day-2018-capitol-hill" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">World IP Day program</a> on Capitol Hill featuring three of today’s remarkable female innovators. Dr. Cherry Murray of Harvard University, Dr. Irina Buhimschi of Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and Danya Sherman, Founder of KnoNap,LLC, will discuss their innovations, how women have inspired them, and how they wish to empower fellow and future women innovators. The event is free and open to the public</p>
<p>On <a href="https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/world-ip-day-2018-alexandria" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">April 24</a>, we celebrated World IP Day with hundreds of USPTO employees at our headquarters and around the country with a keynote speech from Dr. Frances Ligler from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. She holds 32 U.S. patents (and counting) and has commercialized 11 of those inventions. Inducted into the <a href="http://www.invent.org/honor/inductees/inductee-detail/?IID=546" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">National Inventors Hall of Fame</a> in 2017, Dr. Ligler invented portable optical biosensors, which are used in food production, health clinics, pollutant cleanup sites and military applications, including detecting botulinum toxin and anthrax during Operation Desert Storm. During the event, Dr. Ligler discussed her career at the Naval Research Laboratory and her current research, as well as her insights about women as inventors and innovators.</p>
<p>I also invite you to watch this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnMYy_wHk1s" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">special video</a> featuring Dr. Ellen Ochoa – inventor, NASA astronaut, and Director of the Johnson Space Center – about the importance of women in innovation as well as her thoughts on mentorship and leadership.</p>
<p>From the 19<sup>th</sup> century economy of New England to the International Space Station orbiting the Earth, women continually shape the innovation landscape, playing a critical role in improving our way of life and enhancing our country’s economic prosperity. Their work reminds us that every day is IP Day, an opportunity to celebrate the creativity and innovation of people from all walks of life.</p>
Thu, 26 Apr 2018 11:30:35 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/uspto-celebrates-women-innovators-world-ip-dayEconomic Census Goes Online: Data to Provide Timely Information on the Health of the U.S. Economyhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/economic-census-goes-online-data-provide-timely-information-health-us-economy
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2014/businessgeneric.jpg?itok=gCrfYbEW" width="200" height="200" alt="The Economic Census is the most comprehensive business survey in the United States. Conducted every five years, it provides timely information on the health of the U.S. economy." title="The Economic Census is the most comprehensive business survey in the United States. Conducted every five years, it provides timely information on the health of the U.S. economy." /></span>
<div>
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<p><em>The following is a <a href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2018/04/econ-census-data-collection.html?intcmp=s1-hub-econ">cross-post</a> from the U.S. Census Bureau </em></p>
<p>Letters from the U.S. Census Bureau are beginning to land in mailboxes and mailrooms of businesses as the collection of data for almost 4 million business locations begins as part of the 2017 Economic Census.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/economic-census.html">Economic Census</a> is the most comprehensive business survey in the United States. Conducted every five years, it is a cornerstone of many Census Bureau and other federal statistical programs that provide timely information on the health of the U.S. economy.</p>
<p>For the first time, the Economic Census will be conducted almost entirely online—maintaining the Census Bureau’s long tradition of maximizing data security while making it convenient for businesses to respond.</p>
<p>Drawing upon the latest technology, the Census Bureau created a new Respondent Portal for businesses to use to respond to the Economic Census. The letters mailed out to businesses — big and small, selected single-location companies and all multi-location companies — contain instructions on how respondents can create an account and use the authentication code provided in the letter to access their questionnaire.</p>
<p>Respondents create their own, unique passwords on the Respondent Portal, which provides an added layer of privacy where the respondent can manage their account online and decide if they want to share access with someone else.</p>
<p>“In 2012, the vast majority of companies were mailed paper forms,” said Shelley Karlsson, Assistant Division Chief for Collection in the Economic Management Division. “All businesses also had the option to respond online, and overall 53 percent of respondents chose to report electronically.”</p>
<p>This time, only single-location businesses that are located in U.S. territories will receive a paper form, as Census Bureau research shows that many have limited online access.</p>
<p>For the 2017 Economic Census, each respondent creates a private account and then gains access to the survey questionnaire using an authentication code provided in the letter received from the Census Bureau. Through this account, respondents are able to contact the Census Bureau via secure email, check their filing status, request a time extension, in addition to just completing the survey online.</p>
<p>In the past, respondents would have used three separate log-ins to access the above functionality. The Respondent Portal was designed to put all of these tools into one central portal. In addition, as the Economic Directorate migrates all of their surveys into this new portal in the coming years, respondents will be able to access all of their economic questionnaires using the same account and single password that they have created. </p>
<p>The Economic Census provides industry and market statistics at the national, state and local levels and gives businesses the information they need to make informed decisions.</p>
<p>“As we move all of our economic surveys into the Respondent Portal, it will truly be a one-stop shop for business respondents,” Karlsson said.</p>
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Mon, 23 Apr 2018 14:04:09 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/economic-census-goes-online-data-provide-timely-information-health-us-economyNIST Releases Version 1.1 of its Popular Cybersecurity Frameworkhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/nist-releases-version-11-its-popular-cybersecurity-framework
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/framework-01.png?itok=C1Y92_Vx" width="200" height="200" alt="Graphic on NIST Cybersecurity Framework Version 1.1. (Credit: N. Hanacek/NIST)." title="Graphic on NIST Cybersecurity Framework Version 1.1. (Credit: N. Hanacek/NIST)." /></span>
<p>The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released version 1.1 of its popular Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, more widely known as the <a href="https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/CSWP/NIST.CSWP.04162018.pdf" style="box-sizing:border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased; color:#2d9de7; overflow-wrap:break-word; word-wrap:break-word; word-break:break-word">Cybersecurity Framework</a>.</p>
<p>“Cybersecurity is critical for national and economic security,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The voluntary NIST Cybersecurity Framework should be every company’s first line of defense. Adopting version 1.1 is a must do for all CEO's.”</p>
<p>The framework was developed with a focus on industries vital to national and economic security, including energy, banking, communications and the defense industrial base. It has since proven flexible enough to be adopted voluntarily by large and small companies and organizations across all industry sectors, as well as by federal, state and local governments.</p>
<p>“The release of the Cybersecurity Framework Version 1.1 is a significant advance that truly reflects the success of the public-private model for addressing cybersecurity challenges,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST Director Walter G. Copan. “From the very beginning, the Cybersecurity Framework has been a collaborative effort involving stakeholders from government, industry and academia. The impact of their work is evident in the widespread adoption of the framework by organizations across the United States, as well as internationally.”</p>
<p>Version 1.1 includes updates on:</p>
<ul>
<li>authentication and identity,</li>
<li>self-assessing cybersecurity risk,</li>
<li>managing cybersecurity within the supply chain and</li>
<li>vulnerability disclosure.</li>
</ul>
<p>The changes to the framework are based on feedback collected through public calls for comments, questions received by team members, and workshops held in 2016 and 2017. Two drafts of Version 1.1 were circulated for public comment to assist NIST in comprehensively addressing stakeholder inputs.</p>
<p>“This update refines, clarifies and enhances Version 1.0,” said Matt Barrett, program manager for the Cybersecurity Framework. “It is still flexible to meet an individual organization’s business or mission needs, and applies to a wide range of technology environments such as information technology, industrial control systems and the Internet of Things.”</p>
<p>Later this year, NIST plans to release an updated companion document, the Roadmap for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, which describes key areas of development, alignment and collaboration.</p>
<p>“Engagement and collaboration will continue to be essential to the framework’s success,” said Barrett. “The Cybersecurity Framework will need to evolve as threats, technologies and industries evolve. With this update, we’ve demonstrated that we have a good process in place for bringing stakeholders together to ensure the framework remains a great tool for managing cybersecurity risk.”</p>
<p>The process used to update the framework is now published on the <a href="https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework" style="box-sizing:border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased; color:#2d9de7; overflow-wrap:break-word; word-wrap:break-word; word-break:break-word">Cybersecurity Framework website</a>to ensure all parties understand how future updates will be made.</p>
<p>Numerous industry surveys from organizations such as Gartner, Tenable and Cisco indicate sustained and increasing use of the framework over time. In May 2017, President Trump issued the <a class="ext extlink" href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-executive-order-strengthening-cybersecurity-federal-networks-critical-infrastructure/" style="box-sizing:border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased; color:#2d9de7; overflow-wrap:break-word; word-wrap:break-word; word-break:break-word">Executive Order on Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure(link is external)</a>, which directs all federal agencies to use the Cybersecurity Framework. Corporations, organizations and countries around the world, including Italy, Israel and Uruguay, have adopted the framework, or their own adaptation of it.</p>
<p>“We’re looking forward to reaching more industries, supporting federal agencies, and especially helping more small businesses across the U.S. benefit from the framework,” said Barrett.</p>
<p>NIST will host a <a href="https://www.nist.gov/news-events/events/2018/04/webcast-cybersecurity-framework-version-11-overview" style="box-sizing:border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased; color:#2d9de7; overflow-wrap:break-word; word-wrap:break-word; word-break:break-word">free public Webcast</a> explaining Version 1.1 in detail on April 27, 2018, at 1 p.m. Eastern time.</p>
<p>NIST is also planning a Cybersecurity Risk Management Conference—which will include a major focus on the framework—for November 6 through 8, 2018, in Baltimore, Maryland. Detailed information on the conference will soon be available on the <a href="https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework" style="box-sizing:border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased; color:#2d9de7; overflow-wrap:break-word; word-wrap:break-word; word-break:break-word">Cybersecurity Framework website</a>. The website also includes guidance for those <a href="https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/new-framework" style="box-sizing:border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased; color:#2d9de7; overflow-wrap:break-word; word-wrap:break-word; word-break:break-word">new to the framework</a>, links to <a href="https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/framework-resources-0" style="box-sizing:border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased; color:#2d9de7; overflow-wrap:break-word; word-wrap:break-word; word-break:break-word">framework-related tools and methodologies</a>, and <a href="https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework/perspectives" style="box-sizing:border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased; color:#2d9de7; overflow-wrap:break-word; word-wrap:break-word; word-break:break-word">perspectives on the framework</a> from those who use it.</p>
<p>NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. NIST is a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. To learn more about NIST, visit <a href="https://www.nist.gov/" style="box-sizing:border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased; color:#2d9de7; overflow-wrap:break-word; word-wrap:break-word; word-break:break-word">www.nist.gov</a>.</p>
Tue, 17 Apr 2018 11:21:57 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/nist-releases-version-11-its-popular-cybersecurity-frameworkDelivering Data Innovation – A Partnership Model That’s Workinghttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/delivering-data-innovation-partnership-model-thats-working
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/ntispic.jpg?itok=Q7K_kcU3" width="200" height="200" alt="Commerce&#039;s National Technical Information Service (NTIS) hosts Data Innovation Day on March 22, 2018. " title="Commerce&#039;s National Technical Information Service (NTIS) hosts Data Innovation Day on March 22, 2018. Dr. Henry &quot;Skip&quot; Francis, FDA, Director of the Data Mining and Informatics and Evaluation Research Group in the Office of Translational Sciences (Left); " /></span>
<p>We are reminded almost daily of the importance of Commerce’s data for our nation’s people, businesses, and economy. NOAA’s <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/goes-s-satellite-launch-set-march-1-five-reasons-why-it-will-be-game-changer" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">satellite</a> and weather data are helping individual Americans and <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2017/06/noaa-data-helps-retail-and-manufacturing-business-minimize-impacts-weather-and" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">businesses</a> plan future activity. Survey data disseminated by the U.S. Census Bureau are empowering businesses and communities to make evidence-based decisions. BEA’s <a href="//www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/02/bureau-economic-analysis-releases-first-time-prototype-statistics-measuring" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">economic indicators</a>, which include the GDP, provide a broader economic perspective and inform world markets.</p>
<p>As highlighted in <a href="//www.commerce.gov/page/about-commerce#mission" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Commerce’s Strategic Plan</a>, we recognize our vital stewardship of vast amounts of data, and we see how businesses and the public rely on that data to make informed decisions. The question, which frankly every agency asks routinely, is how can we do more with government data? How can bureaus and Federal departments combine more data, leverage more emerging IT technologies, and develop more powerful analytical capabilities? How can we work with more experts and partner more routinely with industry, universities and non-profits to pursue data innovation? </p>
<p>Maybe the best answers to these questions, and perhaps one of the best kept secrets, involves working with a smaller Commerce Bureau like the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). NTIS established 31 data innovation partnerships using its Joint Venture Authority, which are immediately available to any bureau or department. Our focus is on helping agencies collaborate more effectively on data innovation – working closely with partners and agencies to improve the government’s citizen-services and internal operations by leveraging data more effectively.</p>
<p>In March, NTIS hosted Data Innovation Day as an opportunity for federal stakeholders to discuss their data-centric questions, challenges, and visions – all of which may be addressed using NTIS’s scalable, cost-effective model. </p>
<p>Every day NTIS is collaborating with our partners and focused on making a stellar data innovation model, which involves bringing the right expertise and a proven process to solve the tough, complex data challenges requiring innovative approaches for Federal agencies. The NTIS program gives any Federal agency with a funded data project almost immediate access to some of the best minds in data science and management. </p>
<p>NTIS’s data innovation partnerships are a tremendous resource for all Commerce Bureaus, as well as other Federal departments. Consider the possibilities. Think about your data, your IT systems and modernization goals. Give NTIS’s model a try and join other Feds who are delivering real data innovations. Continue the conversation with our data science team: <a href="mailto:DataInnovation@ntis.gov" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">DataInnovation@ntis.gov</a>.</p>
Fri, 13 Apr 2018 10:29:41 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/delivering-data-innovation-partnership-model-thats-workingMaking Statistics Accessible, Anywhere, Anytimehttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/making-statistics-accessible-anywhere-anytime
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/freddata.png?itok=azI3ufC6" width="200" height="200" alt="Graphic of mobile application, FRED." title="Graphic of mobile application, FRED." /></span>
<p><em>The following is a <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/director/2018/04/making_our_data_acce.html">cross-post from the U.S. Census Bureau Director's Blog</a></em></p>
<p>The U.S. Census Bureau is proud to announce a new collaboration with the <a href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/" id="anch_641" style="box-sizing:border-box; background-color:#ffffff; color:#0095a8; text-decoration:none; border:0px; outline:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; font-size:small; font-family:Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-caps:normal; font-weight:400; letter-spacing:normal; orphans:2; text-align:left; text-transform:none; white-space:normal; widows:2; word-spacing:0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis</a> and their mobile application, FRED – making it easier for data users to access our statistics anytime and on any device. Web applications, which present information in visually appealing and interactive ways, are a great way to serve the needs of many customers. Web and mobile apps not only allow users to find the data they are looking for, but it is presented in a format specifically designed for users to read and understand.</p>
<p>In the spirit of smarter government, we are collaborating with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis to ensure data for the <a href="https://www.census.gov/economic-indicators/" id="anch_644" style="box-sizing:border-box; background-color:#ffffff; color:#0095a8; text-decoration:none; border:0px; outline:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; font-size:small; font-family:Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-caps:normal; font-weight:400; letter-spacing:normal; orphans:2; text-align:left; text-transform:none; white-space:normal; widows:2; word-spacing:0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Economic Indicators</a> are available via the FRED mobile app. There, an interested person can find and use our data from the Economic Indicators just as they did with the America’s Economy app. And, the data can be linked back to the Census Bureau – either by using the tables we publish or by pulling data from the Census Bureau’s <a href="https://www.census.gov/data/developers/data-sets.html" id="anch_645" style="box-sizing:border-box; background-color:#ffffff; color:#0095a8; text-decoration:none; border:0px; outline:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; font-size:small; font-family:Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style:normal; font-variant-ligatures:normal; font-variant-caps:normal; font-weight:400; letter-spacing:normal; orphans:2; text-align:left; text-transform:none; white-space:normal; widows:2; word-spacing:0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width:0px">Application Program Interface</a>(API).</p>
<p>FRED provides customers with a wealth of information about topics from the Economic Indicators, such as <a href="https://census.gov/retail/index.html" id="anch_648" style="box-sizing:border-box; color:#0095a8; text-decoration:none; border:0px; outline:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; font-size:13px">Advance Monthly Sales for Retail Trade</a> and <a href="https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/index.html" id="anch_649" style="box-sizing:border-box; color:#0095a8; text-decoration:none; border:0px; outline:0px; margin:0px; padding:0px; font-size:13px">U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services</a>.</p>
<p>It’s all part of our commitment to open our statistics to the public and to allow users to make informed decisions at home or on the go.</p>
<p>The collaboration doesn’t end there. The Census Bureau and the FRED team are building a future roadmap to add more data to the platform for our data user community.</p>
<p>This collaboration enables Census Bureau customers to quickly find information at the touch of their fingertips, whether it’s to write a business plan, track economic change or even to understand the monthly manufacturing sector. Our customers’ practical needs for our data are huge, and the FRED app allows us to ensure those needs are met, regardless of how vast they may be.</p>
Wed, 11 Apr 2018 13:15:58 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/making-statistics-accessible-anywhere-anytimeCommerce&#039;s NIST Helps to Ensure the Quality of Steel, One of the Most Widely Traded Commodities on the Planethttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/commerces-nist-helps-ensure-quality-steel-one-most-widely-traded-commodities
<span align="left"><img class="image-style-scalecrop-200x200" src="https://www.commerce.gov/sites/commerce.gov/files/styles/scalecrop_200x200/public/media/images/2018/smithfield_bridge_credit_brook_ward_cc2.jpg?itok=ZsFuD0Q8" width="200" height="200" alt="Photo of Smithfield Street Bridge, Pittsburgh, Pa. (Credit: Brook Ward, Creative Commons license 2.0.)" title="Photo of Smithfield Street Bridge, Pittsburgh, Pa. (Credit: Brook Ward, Creative Commons license 2.0.)" /></span>
<p><em>The following is a <a href="https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2018/04/true-steel">cross-post from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)</a></em></p>
<p>The Material Measurement Lab at the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) makes certified reference materials for steel composition, hardness, and toughness that help producers control quality and performance aspects during manufacturing, and give buyers confidence that products meet their specifications.</p>
<p>Hundreds of varieties of steel are used for applications as small as surgical tools and as large as sky scrapers. Since the chemical composition helps to ensure the characteristics of the final products, providing corrosion resistance to clamps and scalpels or high strength to pipelines, we make reference materials that manufacturers use to check instruments for the chemical analysis of alloys.</p>
<p>Where failure is not an option—as for bridges, pressure vessels, and nuclear power plants—steel producers and buyers want reassurances about strength. Tests for hardness are the most common methods manufacturers use to assess the strength of materials. Differences in test results can lead buyers to reject materials that are in fact suitable or, even worse, accept materials that are deficient. We produce and certify a variety of reference materials for calibrating hardness testing machines.</p>
<p>For testing toughness, the $10 billion-a-year structural steel industry relies on the NIST Charpy Machine Verification Program, which both produces and certifies specimens for use in impact test machines, and works directly with over 1,500 test labs per year to diagnose problems that may arise during verification testing.</p>
<p>We also participate in and provide leadership to ASTM and ISO committees, sharing our expertise, research, and experience with the community. Testing based on certified reference values and standards provides a common language for manufacturing, buying, and selling steel.</p>
<p> </p>
Tue, 10 Apr 2018 15:32:11 -0400kcpullen@doc.govhttps://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2018/04/commerces-nist-helps-ensure-quality-steel-one-most-widely-traded-commodities